MEET the wonderful staff at Southend Hospital who go above and beyond every single day to ensure patients receive the support they need and are cared for with dignity.

Earlier this month, marked World Cancer Day and so here is a snapshot of the care and support they help provide to patients during their cancer journey.

According to Cancer Research UK, 375,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer every year.

Helping patients through their cancer journey are a dedicated and committed group of people, including those pictured, working together to improve patient care and outcomes and support their care needs.

Sarah Eades, a ward hostess at Southend Hospital, sorts out food orders on the ward and makes drinks for patients and their relatives.

Echo: Sarah Eades, a ward hostess at Southend HospitalSarah Eades, a ward hostess at Southend Hospital (Image: Mid and South Essex NHS Trust)

She said: “As well as providing patients with food and refreshments, I also provide emotional support too.

“Cancer treatments can be tough for patients. Sometimes patients want to offload and share how they are feeling.

“Because I’m not medical, it is easier for patients to see me as a listening ear.”

Lisa Walters, a manager at Elizabeth Loury ward, oversee care of all of our patients and the training and development of nurses and healthcare assistants.

Echo: Lisa Walters, a manager at Elizabeth Loury wardLisa Walters, a manager at Elizabeth Loury ward (Image: Mid and South Essex NHS Trust)

She said: “My goal is to ensure the patients are cared for to a very high standard and that they are treated with dignity and respect at all times.

“I feel very fortunate to be in this post, as nursing is my passion and I thrive in the clinical environment, assisting my team to achieve a high standard of care, which all has an impact on our patients’ journey.”

Clair Mchugh, matron for cancer and oncology at Southend Hospital, makes sure a safe and high standard of care for patients is offered. 

Echo: Clair Mchugh, matron for cancer and oncology at Southend HospitalClair Mchugh, matron for cancer and oncology at Southend Hospital (Image: Mid and South Essex NHS Trust)

She is also part of a team that offers a 24/7 triage line for patients who have been discharged home but who may need advice beyond their stay. 

Laura Adams, deputy ward manager at Southend Hospital, is the nurse in charge, so helps staff care for our patients. 

Echo: Laura Adams, deputy ward manager at Southend HospitalLaura Adams, deputy ward manager at Southend Hospital (Image: Mid and South Essex NHS Trust)

Maisie Maloney, physiotherapist at Southend Hospital, helps oncology patients improve their mobility so that they can leave hospital and live independently.

Jade Murray, occupational therapist at Southend Hospital, makes sure patients leaving hospital are able to do so safely by assessing their home environment and helping them to achieving their personal goals during and after treatment.

Echo: Jade Murray, occupational therapist at Southend HospitalJade Murray, occupational therapist at Southend Hospital (Image: Mid and South Essex NHS Trust)

Sue Stoneham, chaplain for Elizabeth Loury and Estuary wards at Southend Hospital, provides a listening ear and a friendly face for patients, their families and staff. 

Echo: Sue Stoneham, chaplain for Elizabeth Loury and Estuary wards at Southend HospitalSue Stoneham, chaplain for Elizabeth Loury and Estuary wards at Southend Hospital (Image: Mid and South Essex NHS Trust)